Chapter 211: I Have Been Far Too Tolerant With You

Upon reaching the school, Madelyn wasted no time seeking out Josiah. He was idly fidgeting with a car model, his demeanor bored and disinterested with the day’s routine. The sight was somehow childlike, yet endearing. Meanwhile, the love-struck girls in the class huddled together, occasionally stealing glances at Josiah, whispering excitedly about this intriguing new classmate.

Approaching Josiah directly, Madelyn cut to the chase. “Hey, Josiah, do you know any unconventional ways to dig up information that might not be found through regular investigations?”

Perking up at her presence, Josiah seemed invigorated by the challenge. “You’ll have to be more specific about what you’re looking to uncover,” he replied with a hint of curiosity.

Seeing no reason to conceal anything from him, Madelyn said, “Come with me, I’ll fill you in on the details as we talk.”

They left the classroom and found a secluded spot to converse. Madelyn looked at him earnestly, her eyes clear and serious. “This is about my family. I’m trusting you with this, Josiah, but you must promise to keep it to yourself.”

Seeing her intense expression, Josiah nodded solemnly. “Don’t worry, I’m not one to gossip.”

Hearing Josiah’s assurance, Madelyn let out a relieved chuckle. She had always known him to be a bit aloof and arrogantly self-assured, yet in crucial moments, he proved to be an incredibly steadfast ally. With that comfort, she opened up completely, laying bare nearly all the intricate and troubling details of her family’s current predicament. As she spoke, Josiah listened intently, his usual nonchalance replaced by focused attention.

Upon absorbing the full weight of her words, Josiah couldn’t contain his astonishment, stomping his foot in disbelief. “Oh my God! Madelyn, why are all the people in your family so weird?”

Madelyn, frustrated by his outburst, clicked her tongue. “Can we just focus here? Is there a solution or not?”

Josiah paused, mulling over the possibilities before responding. “Indeed, there are options. Tristan, for instance, has extensive connections. Tracking down an imported drug should be feasible through his networks.”

“Oh?” Madelyn raised an eyebrow, intrigued yet skeptical. “Isn’t he your little lackey? What sort of connections could he possibly have?”

Josiah quickly corrected her with a hint of pride. “Who said he’s just my lackey? Don’t underestimate him. His family’s influence is significant, particularly his older brother who’s a notable figure in the northern underworld.”

“He’s that impressive?” Madelyn asked, genuinely surprised by this revelation. Her previous interactions with Tristan had been somewhat strained, so she was naturally unaware of his deeper family ties.

“The northern district operates differently than the southern district. It’s a place where rules are often bent, and Tristan’s brother is a major player in that world. It seems his background is not to be underestimated.”

Josiah placed a comforting hand on Madelyn’s shoulder, offering reassurance with his calm demeanor. “All right, let’s leave this matter to Tristan. I’ll make sure he gets back to us as quickly as possible.”

Madelyn, feeling a mixture of relief and urgency, nodded in agreement, her voice tinged with concern. “We’ll definitely need his help then. Please, the faster the better: I’m really worried about my dad…”

She trailed off, the weight of her fears momentarily silencing her.

Josiah, perceiving her struggle, gave her a supportive, affirming nod. “I understand.”

A wave of warmth rushed through Madelyn, comforting yet fleeting. Despite the resolution of their immediate plan, she couldn’t shake a nagging dissatisfaction that lingered beneath the surface.

She resolved more firmly than ever to invest more time at the Thornton residence. Haunted by the errors of her past, she was determined not to let Regina and Eunice disrupt their lives again. Additionally, Madelyn found herself subtly avoiding deeper involvement with the matters concerning the Oceanic Empire.

Over the recent days, she had been continually reminding herself not to dwell on the promise she had made to the man. Despite her efforts, the promise haunted her, stubbornly clinging to the corners of her mind.

If everything I said didn’t come true… No, I can’t think about this right now. Just stop!

Madelyn broke away from the spiraling thoughts as she rushed back to her classroom to catch the remainder of her class. Once class concluded, she gathered her belongings, her mind still a whirl of thoughts about her next steps.

Just then, Janessa approached her unexpectedly, seizing her hand with a gentle urgency. “Madelyn, don’t forget about the banquet tonight. Both my dad and I will be waiting for you.”

Madelyn, caught off guard, realized she had almost forgotten about the event. With a nonchalant nod, she replied simply, “Got it.”

She then quickly hailed a cab and headed home, intent on packing for an extended stay at the Thornton residence to closely monitor and care for her father.

Midway through her packing, the sudden opening of the door startled her. Sebastian stood in the doorway, his figure casting a long shadow across the room. His unexpected presence made her heart skip a beat, and she hesitated before speaking, “Sebastian…”

However, Sebastian’s response was a cold chuckle, unsettling in its detachment. He had come home earlier than planned, merely intending to grab a USB drive for work. Yet, upon witnessing Madelyn packing, his features darkened with suspicion and a touch of scorn.

“So, after revealing your true colors, you’re in such a hurry to leave me? Impossible!”

At the thought, Sebastian’s expression grew increasingly gloomy. Suddenly, he strode over and grabbed her wrist. Then, with a condescending sneer, he asked, “What now? Planning to elope with someone else?”

His words stung, laden with an accusation that hinted at past transgressions—times when Madelyn had supposedly tried to elope with Christopher. With this painful history brought to the fore, Sebastian’s grip on her wrist tightened unbearably.

“Sebastian, you’re hurting me…” Madelyn winced, pain shooting through her wrist as she pleaded for him to ease his hold.

But Sebastian’s face only twisted into a smirk of mockery. His laughter echoed hollowly in the room.

“It hurts? Is it her hand that aches, or is it my heart that suffered more deeply? Time after time, she held a knife to my heart, driving it deeper with her own hands!”

Madelyn felt the pressure around her wrist increase, her fear escalating. She hastened to clarify, desperate to be heard over his rising anger, “Sebastian, please listen to me. It’s not what you’re thinking, really…”

But Sebastian cut her off, his voice rising with fury, “Not like that? Then what is it?”

The mere thought of her leaving him again to elope with another was unbearable, igniting a rage in Sebastian that he struggled to contain.

“Madelyn, I’ve been far too tolerant with you in the past, allowing you to repeat your questionable actions! What, do you think I’m so easy to manipulate? Have you thought that because I’ve always kept my temper in check, that I have no limits?”

The more he spoke, the angrier he became, and his grip grew correspondingly tighter. Madelyn’s slender wrists felt as if they were encased in a vice, the pain almost unbearable.

Tears welled up in Madelyn’s eyes as she met his gaze, her voice trembling. “Sebastian, let me explain…”